Unemployment further up

According to the latest figures released by Statistics Netherlands, seasonally adjusted unemployment increased by 7 thousand in April 2013 to reach 650 thousand.

Figures published by the Institute for Implementation of Employees’ Insurances (UWV) show that the number of unemployment (WW) benefits was 380 thousand in April, the same as in March.

Unemployment rate at 8.2 percent

The unemployment rate increased further in April to 8.2 percent. The monthly increase over the last three months averaged 19 thousand and was strongest in men. On average, 13 thousand men became unemployed each month. Female unemployment grew by nearly 7 thousand each month.

According to the definition used by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the unemployment rate in the Dutch labour force was 6.5 percent in April, versus 6.4 percent in March.

More WW benefits granted to older people, fewer young recipients

With 380 thousand, the number of current WW benefits hardly changed in April relative to March. The amount of benefits granted to under-25s declined by 4 percent, but the number of recipients in the over-55 age bracket increased by 1.4% in April compared to March. Developments by region and sector also vary considerably. The amount of WW benefits dropped relatively fast in the three northern provinces, but grew in the three provinces in the Randstad region. Just as in March, the number of benefits declined notably in sectors sensitive to seasonal variation, like agriculture (-11%) and construction (-7%). The amount of benefits increased further in the sectors trade, health care, manufacturing industry and transport/storage.

More benefits terminated due to resumption of work

More than 45 thousand new WW benefits were granted in April and nearly 46 thousand were terminated; 23 thousand benefits were terminated due to resumption of work, i.e. 5 percent more than in March and 13 percent more than in April last year.

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